Isomerization of normal butane

ABSTRACT

A process for the isomerization of normal butanes is disclosed. Product isobutane and unreacted normal butane are recovered from the reactor effluent in a stabilizer column. The stabilizer overhead comprising light hydrocarbon by-products and residual hydrogen and isobutane is further treated in a refrigerated gas-liquid separator, the isobutane liquid phase being subsequently treated in a stripper column for the recovery of substantially pure isobutane. The stripper column overhead is recycled to the refrigerated gas-liquid separator for the further recovery of isobutane.



